Delaware Valley Tackle

We have hybrids known as spake which are a brookie / laker mix. Not familiar with the tiger trout.

Replacing a tip top is a $5 fix and takes 5 minutes. Of course it's annoying to fix something new. Slight damage like that is somewhat understandable given the amount of handling they endure. Check retail rods carefully regardless of brand.

Lol. Sounds like dejavu all over again.

Good point Scott. I just did a repair job this summer and found one of those on a rod.

EVA is hands down less expensive than even mid quality cork, but I'm not sure that fact translates directly in retail rod prices. Costs of maufacturing obviously play a large role, but I'd be surprised if it's 1:1.

Experimenting with tackle and techniques can be half the fun. It really just depends where you're at any given moment.

Choose a rod for the application not just what reel is on it. Remember rods cast baits and reels store and retrieve line.

The spool arbor is only part of the equation. The guides need to be large enough and spaced properly to cast efficiently. Otherwise the line coils will back up at the stripper guide.

The line may be getting abraded and the fibers are just depositing at the line guide. If other line guide or any Rod guides are damaged it will be apparent running a cotton swab or ladies nylon stocking material over them.

I've used Riley's grips. They're nice but took a while to get.

It's a material issue more than design IMO. No line should groove quality metal

Scotts right. I threw in charcoal because I remember the Phoenix blanks being on the darker side but check first before wrapping guides. A few turns wetted with denatured alcohol will give you a good idea what the end color will be.

I've used both Charcoal and Gunmetal nylon and both darkened enough to blend in pretty well. Any of the grays should work.

They're both good reels. The revo may be a little smaller to palm but check that.

If you want to chat or compare notes feel free to call.

Burn out is something we have to be careful to avoid. It can be stressful to be creative all the time. The attention to detail can be hard to maintain when your mind wanders even s little. Welcome back even though I think you were with us all along.

Off the top of my head I can't envision anything that would cause what you describe. The pinion slipping would make a ratcheting noise. Other than that the drag shield slip. I'll look into it if you want.

This is true. In fact I have one right in front of me. Not sure if the retail value of that Rod but if it's worth $25 plus shipping I'll take care of it for you.

This is true. In fact I have one right in front of me. Not sure if the retail value of that Rod but if it's worth $25 plus shipping I'll take care of it for you.

Each step up is a little less dramatic. The scII and scIII are night and day. The scIV is noticeable and the step to scV is splitting hairs. Bob is right. If you're going to invest in a rod to treat yourself go custom.

The free spool is pretty good on most of these. A fluid casting stroke is important. Snap casts or muscling one is asking for trouble.

Turn brakes off Set spool tension Set brakes to 5 Test cast and adjust You'll have to thumb the spool to some degree regardless of setup

Very nice. That grip will be hard to top.

It all factors in. Bass fishing in general doesn't require especially high line capacity but line capacity and price are not a direct relationship across brands and models. It makes sense that a larger reel would cost a little more than others in the same lineup.

Much like guide wrap finishing, you just have to experiment and find what works for you. There are so many variables it's hard to say for someone else. So far, Flex Coat High Build has a pot life and consistency that works well at around 70*F room temp.